[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/what-we-look-for-and-what-we-dont-what-a-home-inspection-is-not\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/what-we-look-for-and-what-we-dont-what-a-home-inspection-is-not\/","headline":"What We Look For (And What We Don\u2019t): What a Home Inspection Is Not","name":"What We Look For (And What We Don\u2019t): What a Home Inspection Is Not","description":"What We Look For (And What We Don\u2019t): What a Home Inspection Is Not The reason I\u2019m writing this post is because the word \u201cinspector\u201d carries a lot of weight\u2014and a lot of confusion. People hear \u201chome inspector\u201d and assume I\u2019m part code enforcer, part psychic, part contractor, and part life coach. So let\u2019s set the record straight. A home inspection is a general, visual, non-invasive evaluation of the systems and components of a home. That\u2019s it. I look at what\u2019s there, test what I can safely operate, and report what I see. I don\u2019t predict what\u2019s going to fail next year. I don\u2019t open walls. And I don\u2019t verify whether every contractor who ever worked on the place followed all the rules. I\u2019m an Evaluator\u2014Not an Enforcer I don\u2019t issue violations. I don\u2019t check municipal records. I don\u2019t report code infractions to the city. In fact, I\u2019m not inspecting for code at all. Your 1965 house is allowed to have things a 2025 house isn\u2019t\u2014and I\u2019m not going to ding it for that. If something looks dangerous or clearly wasn\u2019t installed right, I\u2019ll absolutely flag it. But I\u2019m not calling the permit office, and I\u2019m not pulling blueprints. That\u2019s outside my role, and outside the scope of a home inspection. What I\u2019m Looking For\u2014And What I\u2019m Not \u2705 I\u2019m looking for: systems that are unsafe, malfunctioning, visibly damaged, or installed in a way that raises red flags. \u274c I\u2019m not looking for: cosmetic issues, behind-the-wall conditions, or whether a room addition was permitted in 2008. I also don\u2019t test underground tanks, solar systems, wells, septic systems, or anything that isn\u2019t permanently installed and easily accessible. If something\u2019s off or inaccessible, I\u2019ll say so in the report\u2014and recommend who to call for deeper evaluation. I\u2019m a Generalist\u2014And That\u2019s On Purpose Just like your family doctor doesn\u2019t do knee surgery during your annual checkup, I\u2019m not doing a structural engineering analysis or disassembling your HVAC. I\u2019m here to evaluate, test, and observe. If something feels off, I\u2019ll recommend a specialist. That\u2019s not a cop-out\u2014it\u2019s the smart way to keep you safe without guessing. In fact, the InterNACHI Standards of Practice make this crystal clear: we\u2019re not required to determine the life expectancy of systems, verify compliance with codes, or estimate repair costs. Those things are outside the scope\u2014and trying to do them puts everyone at risk. Limitations Aren\u2019t Flaws\u2014They\u2019re the Framework This isn\u2019t about cutting corners. It\u2019s about staying in the lane that protects everyone: you, me, the seller, the agent, and the future owner. I\u2019m trained and licensed to perform a **general** visual evaluation\u2014not to perform a teardown or a forensic investigation. That\u2019s what trades and specialists are for. And when I say \u201cvisual,\u201d I mean it. If I can\u2019t see it or safely access it, I can\u2019t inspect it. That means no moving furniture, no crawling behind storage piles, no removing access panels, and no using special equipment like moisture meters unless I choose to. FAQs: What Your Inspector Isn\u2019t Responsible For Do inspectors check for code compliance? No. Home inspections are not code compliance audits. Codes change constantly and vary by jurisdiction. I inspect for safety and function\u2014not to see if your house passes city hall\u2019s latest checklist. Can you tell me how long things will last? No. I can tell you the age and condition of systems, but not how long they\u2019ll last. Life expectancy varies based on usage, maintenance, and luck. If something\u2019s clearly failing, I\u2019ll flag it\u2014but I don\u2019t predict the future. Do you check permits or contractor work history? No. I assume systems were installed by licensed professionals unless I see otherwise. I\u2019m not verifying permits, licensing, or manufacturer installation techniques unless it affects safety or function. Can you move things or take things apart during the inspection? No. I don\u2019t move personal belongings, open sealed panels, or dismantle systems. I inspect what\u2019s visible and accessible. If something is blocked or inaccessible, I\u2019ll note it in the report. \u2192 Next up: Post 8: Your Inspection Report Is Not the End: What to Do Next \u2190 Previously: Post 6: Get the Most Out of Your Inspection Report Curious what it\u2019s like to schedule your own home inspection with us?","datePublished":"2025-06-30","dateModified":"2025-06-30","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/author\/curtis\/#Person","name":"Kloc Curtis","url":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/author\/curtis\/","identifier":6,"description":"Curtis Kloc is a U.S. Navy veteran and seasoned entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in business development, inspections, and technical systems. He has built and sold multiple six- and seven-figure home inspection and environmental services companies, including HERO Inspections & Environmental and Elite Analysis. Curtis is the founder of Inspections Over Coffee, a nationally expanding franchise known for its white-glove service, inspector training systems, and streamlined operational workflows.\r\n\r\nWith deep roots in nuclear engineering from his time as a Machinist Mate and Engineering Laboratory Technician aboard two U.S. Navy aircraft carriers, Curtis brings unmatched precision and discipline to every business he runs. He is certified and licensed in home inspection, mold assessment, asbestos inspection, and environmental testing, and is a member of NACHI since 2006. Curtis now leads AI automation initiatives through Nexation.ai, helping businesses eliminate busywork and refocus on what matters most\u2014client relationships, growth, and results.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1630069397452.webp","url":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1630069397452.webp","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Person","name":"Curtis Kloc","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/site-logo.png","url":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/site-logo.png","width":512,"height":512}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/home-inspection-blog-7.png","url":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/home-inspection-blog-7.png","height":736,"width":1312},"url":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/what-we-look-for-and-what-we-dont-what-a-home-inspection-is-not\/","about":["Uncategorized"],"wordCount":765,"articleBody":"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat We Look For (And What We Don\u2019t): What a Home Inspection Is NotThe reason I\u2019m writing this post is because the word \u201cinspector\u201d carries a lot of weight\u2014and a lot of confusion. People hear \u201chome inspector\u201d and assume I\u2019m part code enforcer, part psychic, part contractor, and part life coach. So let\u2019s set the record straight.A home inspection is a general, visual, non-invasive evaluation of the systems and components of a home. That\u2019s it. I look at what\u2019s there, test what I can safely operate, and report what I see. I don\u2019t predict what\u2019s going to fail next year. I don\u2019t open walls. And I don\u2019t verify whether every contractor who ever worked on the place followed all the rules. I\u2019m an Evaluator\u2014Not an EnforcerI don\u2019t issue violations. I don\u2019t check municipal records. I don\u2019t report code infractions to the city. In fact, I\u2019m not inspecting for code at all. Your 1965 house is allowed to have things a 2025 house isn\u2019t\u2014and I\u2019m not going to ding it for that.If something looks dangerous or clearly wasn\u2019t installed right, I\u2019ll absolutely flag it. But I\u2019m not calling the permit office, and I\u2019m not pulling blueprints. That\u2019s outside my role, and outside the scope of a home inspection.What I\u2019m Looking For\u2014And What I\u2019m Not  \u2705 I\u2019m looking for: systems that are unsafe, malfunctioning, visibly damaged, or installed in a way that raises red flags.  \u274c I\u2019m not looking for: cosmetic issues, behind-the-wall conditions, or whether a room addition was permitted in 2008.I also don\u2019t test underground tanks, solar systems, wells, septic systems, or anything that isn\u2019t permanently installed and easily accessible. If something\u2019s off or inaccessible, I\u2019ll say so in the report\u2014and recommend who to call for deeper evaluation.I\u2019m a Generalist\u2014And That\u2019s On PurposeJust like your family doctor doesn\u2019t do knee surgery during your annual checkup, I\u2019m not doing a structural engineering analysis or disassembling your HVAC. I\u2019m here to evaluate, test, and observe. If something feels off, I\u2019ll recommend a specialist. That\u2019s not a cop-out\u2014it\u2019s the smart way to keep you safe without guessing.In fact, the InterNACHI Standards of Practice make this crystal clear: we\u2019re not required to determine the life expectancy of systems, verify compliance with codes, or estimate repair costs. Those things are outside the scope\u2014and trying to do them puts everyone at risk.Limitations Aren\u2019t Flaws\u2014They\u2019re the FrameworkThis isn\u2019t about cutting corners. It\u2019s about staying in the lane that protects everyone: you, me, the seller, the agent, and the future owner. I\u2019m trained and licensed to perform a **general** visual evaluation\u2014not to perform a teardown or a forensic investigation. That\u2019s what trades and specialists are for.And when I say \u201cvisual,\u201d I mean it. If I can\u2019t see it or safely access it, I can\u2019t inspect it. That means no moving furniture, no crawling behind storage piles, no removing access panels, and no using special equipment like moisture meters unless I choose to.FAQs: What Your Inspector Isn\u2019t Responsible ForDo inspectors check for code compliance?No. Home inspections are not code compliance audits. Codes change constantly and vary by jurisdiction. I inspect for safety and function\u2014not to see if your house passes city hall\u2019s latest checklist.Can you tell me how long things will last?No. I can tell you the age and condition of systems, but not how long they\u2019ll last. Life expectancy varies based on usage, maintenance, and luck. If something\u2019s clearly failing, I\u2019ll flag it\u2014but I don\u2019t predict the future.Do you check permits or contractor work history?No. I assume systems were installed by licensed professionals unless I see otherwise. I\u2019m not verifying permits, licensing, or manufacturer installation techniques unless it affects safety or function.Can you move things or take things apart during the inspection?No. I don\u2019t move personal belongings, open sealed panels, or dismantle systems. I inspect what\u2019s visible and accessible. If something is blocked or inaccessible, I\u2019ll note it in the report.\u2192 Next up: Post 8: Your Inspection Report Is Not the End: What to Do Next\u2190 Previously: Post 6: Get the Most Out of Your Inspection ReportCurious what it\u2019s like to schedule your own home inspection with us?\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"What We Look For (And What We Don\u2019t): What a Home Inspection Is Not","item":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/what-we-look-for-and-what-we-dont-what-a-home-inspection-is-not\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]